Abstract: In order to package paper, such as gift-wrapping, packaging, shelf-lining and book-binding paper in the form of rolls in such a way that the packaging envelope itself is formed by the paper, the paper roll (10) is provided with an opening aid (20) disposed in one of the outermost paper layers (13), such as a tearing tab (21), tearing thread or the like. The paper roll possesses a paper strip leader (11) following the opening aid (20) in the form of a packaging envelope within the external terminal paper area (12), in which case the opening aid (20), which is expediently caused to issue from one of the two paper roll ends with a gripping section (22), is disposed in or on that paper layer (13) which is covered by the external paper layer (14), whose free end (14a) is glued together with the subjacent paper layer (13) (FIG. 5).